Take Courage
It takes courage to PRESS ON.
In the Christian life, we need courage to act, courage to endure, and courage to wait.
We need to take courage. Courage isn’t something you have or you don’t, it’s an active process to take courage, to gather up courage.
The Bible gives us reasons for courage and promises results from acting courageously in the Lord’s will. Reasons and promises combine into conviction, which results in our ability to take courage in all aspects of life.
Reasons Underpinning Courage
God is with us. Christ overcame the world.
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lordyour God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.(Deuteronomy 31:6)
These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.(John 16:33)
Courage for the Sake of…
Be strong, and let us show ourselves courageous for the sake of our people and for the cities of our God; and may the Lord do what is good in His sight. (2 Samuel 10:12)
Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2)
Results of Courage
Only be strong and very courageous; be careful to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go.(Joshua 1:7)
But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work.(2 Chronicles 15:7)
It also Takes Courage to Wait
Wait for the Lord; Be strong and let your heart take courage; Yes, wait for the Lord.(Psalm 27:14)
Courage isn’t automatic
Build up your conviction, your reasons to act, endure, or wait with courage.
Remind yourself of God’s promises of His presence and your future.
Make your conviction stronger than your fear.
Joseph of Arimathea came, a prominent member of the Council, who himself was waiting for the kingdom of God; and he gathered up courage and went in before Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. (Mark 15:43)
PRESS ON!
See also Do It Scared.
